Bournemouth 2-0 Arsenal: Cherries earn memorable win

Ryan Christie's scored his only previous Premier League goal against Leicester in October 2022

This was not the fixture Bournemouth would have picked for producing a response to the disappointing loss at Leicester before the international break.

The Cherries had lost the past four Premier League meetings with Arsenal by an aggregate score of 13-2 – conceding at least three goals in each - a recent record which made their victory on Saturday evening all the sweeter.

While William Saliba's red card ultimately changed the course of the game, with the visitors favourites at the Vitality Stadium as they sought to go top of the table, there were already signs Andoni Iraola's side were ready for this challenge.

This time last year Bournemouth were winless after nine league games as Iraola endured a difficult start to his tenure, but the Spaniard has implemented his playing style and developed the side into a hard-working, high-pressing nightmare for opponents.

The visit of Arsenal was the start of a tough run which will see Iraola’s team play Aston Villa, Manchester City and Brentford before November’s internationals.

That is the most difficult of any club according to Opta’s team rating but here the Cherries, now in the top half, certainly showed they are up for the challenge.